Wallabies playmaker Stephen Larkham is poised to follow the lead of longtime halves partner George Gregan and finish his career in France.


Larkham is understood to have received a lucrative offer to play for star-studded French club Toulouse after the World Cup.

Toulouse are keen to sign the 95-Test veteran to replace French Test star Frederik Michalak who is joining the Durban-based Sharks for the 2008 Super 14.

"My French is terrible, but hopefully they'll also speak a bit of English to help me through," Larkham told rugbyexclusive.com.

"The idea of playing for a great club like Toulouse is very attractive and it certainly would be another challenge."

Larkham has made no secret of the fact 2007 will be his farewell season in Australia and the Brumbies have set in stone plans to replace him.

"We think in Julian Huxley we've got a replacement there and (inside centre) Gene Fairbanks can also play 10," said Brumbies boss Andrew Fagan.

"We've also got young (Brisbane student) Matt Toomua on a rookie contract for 2008 and have former Australian U19 and U21 Christian Lealiifano on our books."


Larkham, 32, will end his Test career with longtime teammate and friend Gregan, who has signed with French second division club Toulon, after playing his third World Cup.

He also has received interest elsewhere in Europe and Japan and says he may play two more seasons.

Larkham returned to vintage form in the Brumbies 36-10 thumping of NSW last weekend to propel the Canberra-based team into the Super 14 top four, but isn't totally satisfied.

"I'm reasonably happy with the way I played against the Waratahs but there are areas I'd like to improve such as my body height in the cleanout and my defence," he said.

Larkham will become just the third Wallaby, behind Gregan (127) and David Campese (101), to pass 100 caps in Melbourne against the All Blacks on June 30 if he plays the first five Tests of the year.